italian language in italy : Family first as Shevchenko quits AC Milan
UKRAINE striker Andriy Shevchenko is leaving AC Milan, which will start negotiations with English champions Chelsea over his transfer, according to a statement on AC Milan's website yesterday.
"I'm leaving for family reasons," said Shevchenko, a former European footballer of the year.
"I thank the club for all they've given me. There's no relationship problem and there's no economic problem."
Adriano Galliani, Milan's vice-president, said in the same statement that the club would start negotiations with Chelsea.
"It will not be easy," he added.
"It's a victory of the English language over the Italian language
"I tried to persuade him to stay up until the last minute. It is certainly the most painful separation during my time at Milan."
Shevchenko's American wife Kristen is reported to have asked her husband to move to London as she would prefer their son Jordan to grow up in an English-speaking country.
If Chelsea completes the capture of the 29-year-old Ukraine captain, he would be its second coup of the close season after the arrival of Germany skipper Michael Ballack on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
But Shevchenko's move to Stamford Bridge depends on the clubs reaching agreement on a fee.
Italian reports say Milan hope to get about $50 million for the forward.
Chelsea may look to include a player in part-exchange and its French defender William Gallas would welcome a move to the Italian side, which is looking for defensive reinforcements.
If the clubs reach an agreement, Shevchenko's departure would have a major knock-on effect on the transfer market. with Milan certain to try to replace him with a top-quality striker.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has Italy internationals Alberto Gilardino and Filippo Inzaghi as his two remaining forwards, but Milan fans will expect a big name to arrive if they are to accept losing their top-scorer.
Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy and Inter Milan's Brazilian forward Adriano have been mentioned as possible replacements for Shevchenko by Italian newspapers.
But Italy's investigations into match-fixing allegations could broaden the range of Ancelotti's options.
Should Juventus, at the centre of the scandal, be relegated to Serie B, its France forward David Trezeguet and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could become targets.
Shevchenko has been at Milan for seven years after his $33 million move from Dynamo Kiev, where he won five domestic league titles.
During his time with the Italian club, he won the Champions League in 2003 and the Italian title in 2004.
He has scored 127 goals in 208 Serie A matches for Milan.
He is also the highest scorer in the history of the European Cup, with 52 goals, after grabbing 33 in the Champions League for Milan and 19 while playing for Kiev.
Chelsea, which has just won its second-successive English title, is financed by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
© Sunday Times
"I'm leaving for family reasons," said Shevchenko, a former European footballer of the year.
"I thank the club for all they've given me. There's no relationship problem and there's no economic problem."
Adriano Galliani, Milan's vice-president, said in the same statement that the club would start negotiations with Chelsea.
"It will not be easy," he added.
"It's a victory of the English language over the Italian language
"I tried to persuade him to stay up until the last minute. It is certainly the most painful separation during my time at Milan."
Shevchenko's American wife Kristen is reported to have asked her husband to move to London as she would prefer their son Jordan to grow up in an English-speaking country.
If Chelsea completes the capture of the 29-year-old Ukraine captain, he would be its second coup of the close season after the arrival of Germany skipper Michael Ballack on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
But Shevchenko's move to Stamford Bridge depends on the clubs reaching agreement on a fee.
Italian reports say Milan hope to get about $50 million for the forward.
Chelsea may look to include a player in part-exchange and its French defender William Gallas would welcome a move to the Italian side, which is looking for defensive reinforcements.
If the clubs reach an agreement, Shevchenko's departure would have a major knock-on effect on the transfer market. with Milan certain to try to replace him with a top-quality striker.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has Italy internationals Alberto Gilardino and Filippo Inzaghi as his two remaining forwards, but Milan fans will expect a big name to arrive if they are to accept losing their top-scorer.
Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy and Inter Milan's Brazilian forward Adriano have been mentioned as possible replacements for Shevchenko by Italian newspapers.
But Italy's investigations into match-fixing allegations could broaden the range of Ancelotti's options.
Should Juventus, at the centre of the scandal, be relegated to Serie B, its France forward David Trezeguet and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could become targets.
Shevchenko has been at Milan for seven years after his $33 million move from Dynamo Kiev, where he won five domestic league titles.
During his time with the Italian club, he won the Champions League in 2003 and the Italian title in 2004.
He has scored 127 goals in 208 Serie A matches for Milan.
He is also the highest scorer in the history of the European Cup, with 52 goals, after grabbing 33 in the Champions League for Milan and 19 while playing for Kiev.
Chelsea, which has just won its second-successive English title, is financed by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
© Sunday Times
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